Apple Cinnamon French Toast Recipe

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the cozy aroma of an Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake gently bubbling away in the oven. Imagine golden cubes of bread, sweet apples, and warm spices coming together in one gorgeous make-ahead casserole—every forkful is pure comfort, whether it’s a special holiday brunch or a slow Sunday morning at home.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep everything the night before for an effortless breakfast win the next day—no early-morning stress required!
• Irresistible Texture: Hearty bread soaks up the custard while staying soft on the inside and perfectly golden on top—an absolute treat for the senses.
• Cozy, Comforting Flavors: The wonderful combination of tender apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar guarantees classic, nostalgic flavor in every bite.
• Feeds a Crowd: Whether it’s brunch for family or breakfast with friends, this bake serves 12, making it a centerpiece everyone will love.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake shines because of its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each component brings a little something special: from the pillowy bread to the spiced apple filling, everything works together to create that just-right balance of flavor and texture.

• Large Loaf Bread: Challah or brioche make all the difference—use a hearty loaf for the best texture, but French bread or Texas toast work, too!
• Apples, Diced: Mix sweet and tart varieties (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for balance; peel them if you like a softer texture.
• Salted Butter, Melted: Adds rich flavor and moistness; unsalted butter plus a pinch more salt is a fine swap.
• Light Brown Sugar: Lends mellow sweetness and helps create that crave-worthy caramelized top.
• Corn Starch: A tiny bit thickens the filling so your casserole is lusciously creamy, not soggy.
• Ground Cinnamon: The “wow” spice—don’t be shy, cinnamon is at the heart of this bake!
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a small amount deepens the spice, rounding out the flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and keeps your apples vibrant and fresh.
• Large Eggs: The binder that creates a custardy, classic French toast base.
• Whole Milk: Makes the custard extra creamy—substitute half-and-half for even more richness if you’re feeling fancy.
• Vanilla Extract: Creates warmth and depth in both aroma and taste.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip even if it seems like a small addition!

How to Make Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Step 1: Prep and Cube Your Bread

Start by slicing your loaf of bread into bite-sized cubes—roughly 1-inch pieces work perfectly. Arrange them in your greased baking dish, making sure they’re spread out evenly. This step creates those irresistible layers with plenty of nooks for the custard and apples to fill.

Step 2: Make the Apple Mixture

In a big bowl, combine the diced apples, melted butter, light brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well coated. This spice-kissed mixture will bake down into a tender, pie-like filling you’ll want to spoon onto everything.

Step 3: Assemble the French Toast Bake

Pour the apple mixture evenly over your bread cubes. Gently fold and toss the bread so all the pieces soak up some of that juicy goodness. It’s okay if things look a little rustic—perfection isn’t the goal, flavor is!

Step 4: Whisk the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This luscious custard is what transforms your bread and apples into French toast—don’t skimp on the mixing; you want it silky and well-combined.

Step 5: Pour and Chill

Carefully pour the custard evenly over the bread and apple mixture. Press down gently with a spatula to make sure everything gets a little custard bath. Cover the dish tightly and chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you want to make breakfast extra easy in the morning.

Step 6: Add the Sweet Topping

Right before baking, combine sliced butter with brown sugar and cinnamon to make a crumbly topping. Sprinkle this all over the top of your casserole for an irresistible golden crunch once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake until nearly set, then remove the foil and let the bake finish uncovered. This gives you those magic moments: a custardy center crowned with crispy, caramelized edges—truly the hallmark of an amazing Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake!

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Garnishes

Enhance each serving with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to add some crunch, scatter a few toasted pecans or walnuts over the top—the combination is downright irresistible!

Side Dishes

Pair your warm Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake with savory breakfast favorites like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or softly scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. Or, keep it light and fresh with a fruit salad and plenty of hot coffee or tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch parties or holiday tables, serve this bake straight from the oven in a pretty casserole dish, or spoon portions into individual ramekins for a more elegant touch. Add a decorative apple slice or cinnamon stick to each plate for a stylish finish your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake completely, then cover tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Each portion will easily reheat without drying out, making those second and third helpings just as delicious as the first!

Freezing

This French toast bake is freezer-friendly! Simply slice cooled leftovers into portions, wrap them well, and tuck them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat individual servings, microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. If you’re reheating the whole dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until it’s hot and steamy, about 20 minutes—you’ll never know it was made ahead!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof crowd-pleaser with warm, comforting flavors, this Apple Cinnamon French Toast Bake is it. Give it a try—you’ll make memories right alongside breakfast, and I have a feeling it’ll become a family favorite in your home, too!

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